Calabasas Relay scheduled for May 17
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com

The Calabasas community is gearing up for another Relay for Life, a 24-hour walk held each year to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

This year's Calabasas Relay for Life begins at 10 a.m. Sat., May 17 at A.E. Wright Middle School. Teams of 10 to 15 people camp overnight and take turns walking around the track, enjoying entertainment, food and friends along the way.

"Everyone has been touched by cancer, whether it's through a friend or a family member," said Jackie Holmes, mission delivery chair of the relay walk. "If people want to get involved in raising money to fight cancer and spread awareness, this is the event."

After an opening pep rally, a survivors' ceremony is held in honor of a guest speaker who has battled cancer, and survivors take the first lap of the day. Throughout the day teams also raise funds through sales and raffles. There are information booths, games and live bands.

At 9 p.m. a luminaria ceremony is held to remember those who have lived with and died from cancer. The light ceremony is followed by a group lap in which everyone carries a glowing candle, a symbol of remembrance.

So far, the relay has raised more than $8,000 and has around 150 participants. Holmes said 22 teams have signed up so far and more can still be formed.

This year, in addition to the customary closing ceremonies, the American Cancer Society is putting on a "Fight Back" ceremony that will inform the teams about ways to continue fighting cancer.

For more information on Relay for Life Calabasas, visit http://events.cancer.org/ rflcalabasasca.